How to Advertise an Event for Free
The costs of organizing an event can add up quickly, but using free advertising methods will make your budget stretch further. With a little creativity and work, there are plenty of ways to do this. Take advantage of the many resources that are available both in your community and online.
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Instructions
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Gather the important details about your event. Consider what people need to know in order to come, including date, time, location, cost, the name of the event, and what will be happening there. Write down these facts.
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Contact local media outlets to see if they would be interested in covering your event. You can write and send out press releases or make phone calls. A newspaper might want to do a story about for the lifestyle or entertainment section. Community radio stations usually have specific times when they announce local happenings for free. A TV station might even be interested. Show them how your event is newsworthy by pitching a story idea, such as an article about the family in need if you're having a fundraiser. You could gain publicity even if the event isn't the focus of the story.
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Post details about the event on free websites. There are thousands of community event calendars, classified ad pages, and local message boards on the Internet. Begin by putting an ad on your local Craigslist site.
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Create fliers on your computer and post them around the community. Grocery stores, coffeehouses and libraries often have bulletin boards for this purpose. Consider what type of people would be interested in your event, and focus on the places they'd be likely to go. For example, post fliers on a college campus if you want to attract young adults. Advertise animal events in pet stores and shelters.
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Use word-of-mouth advertising and social networking. Tell everyone you know about the event, and encourage them to pass along the information to their friends, coworkers and relatives. Send emails about it to everyone in your address book who lives in the area. If you use social networking websites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, write about it there.
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Tips & Warnings
Media outlets like newspapers and radio stations have deadlines to adhere to. Contact them far in advance of the date. Use as many methods of advertising as possible and begin planning early in order to reach the maximum number of people.
References
- Photo Credit Michal Zacharzewski, SXC
